What Trusting God Does Not Look Like

The bible teaches us to “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths” (Proverbs 3:5,6). But sometimes I hear Christians talk about trusting God in a way that is not consistent with the Word of God. I want to be careful here, because I don’t want to come off like we have the power to act and do anything on our own power and ambition. That too would be inconsis-tent with the word of God. But I am talking about times when trusting God is used for an excuse for ignorance and inaction.

Ignorance

Ignorance simply means to not know; and we are all ignorant concerning something or other. No one knows it all- only God. And we can’t help what we don’t know. I’m talking about the things that we don’t even know we don’t know. Every day, we walk through situations, completely naïve of the powers at work around us and in us. Maybe that’s why some people pray for protection against dangers “seen and unseen.”

But what about those things that we know we don’t know? What about when life presents a situation, and you realize you don’t have the answer?  Let’s look at two examples.

First, let’s look at faith. Have you ever said (or heard someone else say), “I’m not good with scripture like you”? Well, if you know you aren’t good at understanding the bible because frankly, it’s not easy reading, what do you do? Do you resolve that you will “trust God” and if you need to know something, He’ll show it to you? Or do you demonstrate true trust in God by believing what He says? Do you take His yoke (Word) upon you and learn of Him? Do you study to show yourself approved unto God so that you are not made ashamed, rightly discerning the Word of truth? Do you seek with expectation of finding- when you search with all your heart? Can you give a reason for the hope that lies within you?

Regarding money and family finances, if you know you aren’t making positive progress, but winging it each month? Do you keep doing the same thing, expecting different results; or suffer in silence “trusting God” that somehow, it’ll just work out? Or do you put effort into learning and creating better habits? Do you go to the scriptures, consult financial resources, and/or reach out for help?

It’s not okay to remain in ignorance once you see you don’t know. That’s not trusting God, nor is it Christ honoring. When He has given you resources to improve your situation, you are responsible for employing them to do so.

Inaction

Inaction simply means not to act. Though we can’t do anything on our own power and strength, the Word of God does command us to act and to do. What you may not realize is: the ability to hear what thus says the Lord, the desire to respond appropriately, and the ability to obey is the Holy Spirit working in you.

There are legitimately times when you may earnestly not know what to do and you might call to mind the scripture that says, “Be still and know that I am God.” That verse doesn’t mean not to do anything at all because the truth is, whether you act or don’t act, that is your response. Instead, that scripture means to settle your heart. Stop letting your mind race around running all the

if-then scenarios and trust that God will work things out in His time and in His way. In the interim “serve Him while [you’re] waiting.”

When you read and hear scripture, do you read with intentionality and make efforts to apply that Word to your everyday life? When the Word says seek and ye shall find, do you seek? When the bible says go to the ant, do you do that; and consider what those creatures teach us about life; and strive to apply those lessons to your life? When the Word tells you to tithe, to give, to relieve widows, orphans, and the poor; do you strive to do that? When it says forgive, do you do that? Or do you read the bible as a matter of routine, picking and choosing what feels right to you?

Serve Christ While Waiting

I don’t know if you’ve ever seen the movie, Fireproof, but there’s a scene in the movie where Michael is served divorce papers. He drops to his knees as he realizes what’s happening. Over the next few days and weeks, his father challenges Michael’s thinking and actions concerning himself and God. And even though his wife has called it quits, Michael decides to fight to keep her, to preserve his marriage. But he doesn’t do it by saying anything to her; he doesn’t demand, or guilt, or explain, or plead. He just determines to learn God’s Word, develop his relationship with his Heavenly Father, to demonstrate his love for his wife, and to serve God (and his wife), while he waits on his hope to be realized. He knew he couldn’t force the situation. It was in God’s hands.

It’s been over 10 years since I saw that movie and I still get emotional when I remember that scene and I still hear the lyrics to John Waller’s song, “While I’m waiting.” It still comforts me, today. The Lyrics say:

I’m waiting
I’m waiting on You Lord and I am hopeful
I’m waiting on You Lord, though it is painful
But patiently I will wait
And I will move ahead, bold and confident
Taking every step in obedience
While I’m waiting
I will serve You
While I’m waiting
I will worship
While I’m waiting
I will not faint
I’ll be running the race
Even while I wait
I’m waiting
I’m waiting on You Lord and I am peaceful
I’m waiting on You Lord, though it’s not easy, no
But faithfully I will wait
Yes, I will wait…

The main take-away? Serve while you wait. Things don’t often work out like the movies, but we can’t lose when we act in faith. God will work things together for our good, just like he said He would (Romans 8:28).

But, it’s not okay to not act. That is not trusting God, nor is it glorifying to God.

Conclusion

Trusting God means acknowledging Him in all of our ways; measuring our lives, the way we think, the things we do, against His standard. That takes time in His Word, listening, learning, and growing. It also means putting His Word in action- even when it’s not easy. It means taking on the whole armor of God and having done all we can (by the power of God), to still stand (Ephesians 6:13). “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord” (1 Corinthians 15:58).